We do not assert that the Sacellum is corrupted like the Crystal Blood. The Traditions maintain their stewardship of the souls of the Empire. The ecclesiasts of the Tradition of the Soul continue to alleviate the darkness in the peoples’ lives and provide what comfort they can. The scholars of the Tradition of the Mind continue to teach all in the ways of the Goddess and provide conciliation among aggrieved parties. The paladins of the Tradition of the Heart are often the only defense against the more aggressive bandits the small towns and villages have. The Sacellum does not require the purification that the Crystal Blood does. However, that does not mean they are our allies. – Excerpt from a Purist leaflet circulated in Lisandra
SELENE
Selene hated the Sacellum. Not the jewel-spun temple. The gently sloping walls flowed seamlessly up into the three towers of the Traditions. The blue-tinted rays of sunlight reflecting off the sapphire walls brought their own serenity every time Selene walked in them. Selene needed that serenity. Her stomach quailed. The last time she stepped on the Sacellum grounds, she was married off to Robar and then exiled from Lisandra. There was a good chance this time was going to end worse.
After meeting with the chief constable, Princess Illana announced she was going to the Sacellum and request the Suprema’s aid in defending Lisandra. Selene felt compelled to escort the princess. She couldn’t let the princess face the senior leadership on her own. The Imperial carriage stopped at the Sapphire Arch. The massive gate guarded the entrance to the Sacellum grounds. Selene allowed Robar to assist her from the carriage. Her husband looked unconcerned, but she saw the tightening around his eyes betraying his anxiety. This was the first time either of them stepped onto Sacellum soil since their hasty, arranged marriage eight years ago.
“Thank you, Rin,” Princess Illana said as he helped her out of the carriage. Sweet Goddess of Light, the smile on his face from those words looked so right on him.
All under the Goddess’s Light, Kurt was right, Selene thought, We just needed to get the two of them near each other. Still, that was only supposed to happen between elves. How could it have happened between an elf and a human?
Selene was still concerned about Rin escorting the princess. Knowing the Suprema, the old woman would see a human – especially an armed one – on the sacred grounds of the Sacellum as a provocation. Selene’s worries diminished as she watched Rin with the princess. He wasn’t quite his old self, but he was healing. The shift in Princess Illana was even more dramatic. She was almost back to the young woman from those two months traveling back to Lisandra after her rescue.
“Your highness, we should wait here until the Sacellum Guard can escort us,” Robar suggested. Selene looked at the open-air gardens between the Sapphire Arch and the wide stairs leading into the Sacellum. A few novices were finishing their morning chores in the ornamental flowerbeds. Under normal circumstances, Selene would have dismissed Robar’s concerns. With the Purist sympathizers in the city, Selene wished the princess brought along her Crystal Guard.
For the first few hundred years of the Empire’s existence, the Crystal Blood were the solitary rulers of the domain. Until Tallen the Corrupt. After more than two decades of wild swings between decadence and reigns of terror, the nobility of the Diet – aided and abetted by the sorcerers of the Liopasto and the clerics of the Sacellum – rebelled. The War of Four lasted three years and cost hundreds of thousands of lives. It only ended when Tallen the Corrupt leapt, or perhaps was pushed, from the top of the Crystal Palace while talking with his son. The son, who would go down in Imperial history as Matrim the Wise, negotiated the Great Compact forging the modern Empire. The Crystal Blood was now first among equals with the Diet of Lords, the Sacellum, and the Liopasto. To reinforce each’s independence from the others, the Four were barred from bringing their personal soldiers onto the others’ grounds.
“We don’t have the luxury of time to wait while the Sacellum decides to officially greet us,” the princess said, “Selene and Rin are here. Two Heroes of the Empire should be more than enough to protect me between here and the Suprema’s cloister.” She turned to Rin and bestowed a dazzling smile on the human. Rin didn’t return the smile as he looked around. His hand rested on the handle of his pistol. Princess Illana put a restraining hand on Rin’s arm as he tried to hurry their pace. Rin settled for scowling at anyone who came within ten yards. Novices fled in terror at his visage. Princess Illana pretended not to notice as she climbed the stairs and into the Great Hall.
Dozens of novices, scribes, and ecclesiasts stopped and stared as Princess Illana walked in. The few paladins looked unperturbed, although their nonchalance was forced. Selene looked around at the gawking members of the Sacellum. There should have been some sort of official reception. It wasn’t like they couldn’t have seen the Imperial carriage approaching.
“It seems I am to be your guide to the Suprema’s Cloister, your highness,” Selene said. Internally, Selene fumed. Under Sacellum protocol and common courtesy, at least one of the Heads of the Traditions should have greeted the princess. Selene could feel the the Suprema’s schemes swirling around them.
“That’s fine. I’ve missed your company,” Princess Illana said with a warm tone that didn’t match the cold look in her eyes.
“Your highness, Selene, I will join you later,” Robar said. “There are matters here requiring my attention.” Selene looked at her husband quizzically. What needed his attention after most of a decade?
“If you must,” Selene said. She was annoyed that he was leaving her alone to guide the princess and Rin to the Suprema’s Cloister. Robar nodded his thanks and walked over to a group of ecclesiasts. Robar was from that Tradition. His reputation for compassionately ministering to the lowers of Lisandra was one of the reasons Selene accepted Robar as her husband.
“Should we let him go like that?” Rin asked, with a dangerous tone in his voice.
“Robar won’t betray us. That would invalidate our marriage vows. He takes the vows seriously,” Selene answered as the trio started walking deeper into the Sacellum.
“Even though it’s a forced marriage?” Rin asked. Selene stopped in the middle of the hall and whirled on Rin.
“Who told you that?”
“You just did.”
“How did you know?”
“Selene, I watched you around Marteen for a long time, even after he chose Sasha,” Rin answered, “Robar is so completely different than Marteen, I can’t see you marrying him by choice. I just can’t figure out how that old witch forced you.” Selene’s head whipped around to see if anyone heard the insult. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that they were alone in the corridor.
“You need to leave this alone,” Selene said, the barest hint of a warning in her voice.
“No,” Rin replied, forcefully. Selene stopped in the middle of the hall and looked at him in shock.
“Excuse me?”
“Illana was rescued because you refused to stop your research on the prophecies when the Suprema ordered you to do so,” Rin said. “You shouldn’t have been punished for that.”
“Is Rin correct?” Princess Illana asked.
“Yes, it was forced, but not because I helped rescue you,” Selene said, keeping her voice under tight control.
“Then why would the Sacellum want to force a marriage on you?”
“Other issues arose after we came back. I didn’t pay as close attention as I should have and was outmaneuvered. The marriage was the most acceptable option,” Selene answered. Rin wanted to press the matter further, but Princess Illana put her hand on his arm. Selene felt silent communication between them.
“So, why Robar?”
“Because of the choices of husbands, he was the most acceptable,” Selene answered. The princess nodded her understanding.
“I don’t trust Robar,” Rin muttered.
“Rin, outside of our little group, are there any elves that you do trust?” Selene asked.
“Point taken. If you trust him, I’ll trust him. As long as you don’t expect me to like him.”
“Can you try to keep your antipathy to something below what you have with Pallus?”
“That may be difficult,” Rin said.
“Why do you and the colonel hate each other so?” Princess Illana asked.
“Because they were two boys who both needed to prove themselves, and they often decided to compete for the attentions of pretty women.” Selene tried to sound neutral, but it was hard remembering the number of times Pallus and Rin tried to best each other in garnering her attentions.
“That’s not true!” Rin shot back.
“That’s how I remember it.”
Princess Illana shot Rin a look that let him know in no uncertain terms he would explain further at a later time. The trio through the Sacellum’s hallway. The soft azure light illuminating the hallways was supposed to be soothing. Of all the jewel-spun buildings in Lisandra, the Sacellum retained more of its original magic because the Sacellum was the only building spun using both the Goddess’s Grace as well as natural magic. When almost all the world’s natural magic was sealed away by the humans, hundreds of jewel-spun buildings collapsed killing thousands of elves. Only the strongest spun buildings remained standing. Something tickled Selene’s memory. There was something in the prophecies around the binding of the world’s magic, but Selene couldn’t remember it clearly.
After we deal with these Purists, I’m going to go back and research. Assuming the Suprema is willing to grant me access to the archives, Selene thought. Selene considered the last time she spoke with the Suprema and internally grimaced. Getting back into the archives was probably the least of her concerns.
Selene put those thoughts away as she saw Robar standing in the hallway. Selene was surprised to see him. She thought he was still talking to old friends. He must have raced up to meet them here. Selene opened her mouth when Robar answered her unspoken question.
“The Heads are waiting for you,” Robar said, “They are not pleased.”
“What are they not pleased about this time?” Selene asked.
“First, you came here under arms, which was one of the reasons you were asked to leave the Sacellum last time. Second, and more importantly, they are extremely upset he’s in the Sacellum.” He nodded to Rin, who thankfully stood there quietly.
“Are they barring me from seeing the Suprema?” Princess Illana asked.
“According to what I was told, as soon as they saw the carriage coming, the Heads and the senior scholars combed through the legal archives for an excuse to do so,” Robar said, “My supposition is they were hoping we would wait at the Sapphire Gate long enough for them to find something in the law. I can’t think of anything they could use to keep the princess from seeing the Suprema. Under Sacellum law and tradition, the Suprema must see the Crystal Blood if she comes to the Sacellum. I think the Heads will try to keep Selene and him out of the Cloister while Suprema talks with the princess.”
“Can they?” Princess Illana asked.
“I don’t think so, your highness,” Robar answered, “Selene and him are Heroes of the Empire. Under Imperial and Sacellum law, they have the right and responsibility for your protection. Not only can they go with you into the Cloister, but they can carry weapons while escorting you. Unfortunately, I’m not a scholar. The Heads of the Traditions might know some obscure Sacellum law to bar their entrance.”
“Sweet Protector,” Rin muttered. All three elves looked wide-eyed at him. Of all the things to say inside the Sacellum.
“What?” Rin asked, with the tone of perfect innocence. Honestly, couldn’t that boy do anything without complicating things? Wait. Rin made a joke. The Rin she remembered joked when he was dealing with difficult situations. Maybe the old Rin was returning.
I TOLD YOU THAT YOUR TASK WAS NOT TO HEAL HIM. The Goddess’s voice boomed through Selene’s head. Selene nearly stumbled from the power crashing through her skull. The Goddess sounded like one of those newfangled cannons of the Capitol Army in her head. Why did the designers of the Sacellum decide to make the building amplify the Goddess’s voice to such painful levels? Robar looked concerned, but Selene waved him away. The Goddess never spoke to him directly, like She did to Selene. He didn’t understand what it was like when She forced Herself into Selene’s mind.
After another few minutes of walking, the hallway opened into an anteroom. Two polished wood benches sat against the walls for those waiting for a private audience with the Suprema. Across from the hall was the simple wood door leading into the Suprema’s Cloister. Normally, four paladins were standing guard at the Suprema’s door. Instead, three women were standing in the middle of the room with matching stern looks.
“Selene, how dare you walk into the Sacellum wearing armor and carrying a sword?” demanded Simona Ler. She was the Head of the Tradition of the Heart, the paladins of the Sacellum. At almost seven and a half feet, Ler was tall for an elven woman. Her black hair was in a short, efficient style. Ler’s weathered face had been pretty when she was a young paladin, but the years and battles were not kind. Ler’s armor bore scars from when she led the paladins in the Army of Reclamation.
“As a Hero of the Empire, I am allowed and required to be armed to protect her highness,” Selene replied.
“We overlooked you taking up the sword during your escapade. Doing so does not make you a paladin. You are not entitled to wear armor. Further, there is no reason to protect the princess within the very walls of the Sacellum.”
“There’s a Purist army marching on the capital,” Selene said, “Since we don’t know when they will show, I do not know when I will be called upon to fulfill my duties as a Hero of the Empire.”
“Being a Hero of the Empire does not give you the right to seek combat in opposition of Sacellum law!”
“I don’t seek combat, but I will be prepared if I find myself in it. I was nearly killed during my ‘escapade’ because I kept strictly to Sacellum law. Worse, my friends were nearly killed. This time, I will be prepared to defend myself and my friends.”
“You forsake your oaths as a scholar!” said Genima Talan in a raised voice. The Head of the Tradition of the Mind was normally soft-spoken. For her, that tone was a tirade of truly epic proportions. The Tradition of the Mind prided itself maintaining calm reason in all situations, and Talan prided herself on being the epitome of her Tradition. Short, plump, and blond, Talan looked somewhat matronly. Until one saw the scheming in Talan’s ice blue eyes. Selene gave her nominal superior a contemptuous glare, but bit back her tongue when Robar laid a restraining hand on her shoulder.
“Head Talan, nothing in your Tradition’s oaths prevent a scholar from learning the martial arts – or employing them in her defense as she fulfills her scholarly duties,” Robar said, “Or those duties thrust upon her by being a Hero of the Empire.”
“Robar, your own transgressions against the Sacellum were not dismissed,” growled Belar Talan, the Head of the Soul, “If you wish to continue being counted among the Sacellum’s clerics, I suggest you not continue to place yourself against the will of the Sacellum.” Belar was Genima’s first cousin. Even with the family resemblance, Belar looked more like a compromise between the two other Heads. Middling of height and weight with dark sandy blonde hair and dark brown eyes. If the stories were true, Belar was once considered a warm and compassionate ecclesiast with a quiet passion for serving others. Those qualities were no longer there since Belar entered the upper ranks of the Tradition of the Soul.
To anyone else, Robar’s face was its normal impassive mask, but Selene could see the tightening around his eyes and mouth betraying his anger. It was Selene’s turn to place the restraining hand on her husband. Robar was likely their only diplomatic road back to the Sacellum after this meeting. It wouldn’t do the princess any good to have him flay the Heads apart with Sacellum doctrine. Selene had been on the receiving end of two of his tongue lashings when she pushed him too far. Robar looked down at Selene’s hand, then up at her, and then nodded.
“Very well, Head Talan. If you will excuse me Heads, I will attend to more appropriate matters while I am here in the Sacellum,” Robar said. The three women nodded in dismissal, satisfied they cowed at least one of the princess’s attendants. Robar shot Selene a look of caution before walking out of the anteroom.
Princess Illana stepped in front of the Heads. The three elder clerics gave exquisitely perfect expressions of respect for the Crystal Blood. Selene half-expected the princess to tear into the three of them, but instead the young princess wore the look of a disappointed superior dealing with insubordinate subordinates. Selene shot a quick glance back at Rin. His face was an expressionless mask.
“I have come to speak with the Suprema,” Illana said with the full force of command. The Heads traded surprised looks. This was not the princess they expected. “You three may either escort me in to see her or go back to your duties. I’m sure there are many for women of your importance.” The Heads all flashed identical glares of anger. They were not used to be dismissed like common servants.
“Of course, your highness, we would be most happy to escort you,” Head Genima Talan said. Her sister Heads took their cue from the scholar and generously swept to the side. Head Ler opened the door to the Suprema’s Cloister. Princess Illana inclined her head the minimum fraction required by the rules of polite society before gliding across the floor. Rin followed Princess Illana but paused as Head Simona Ler stepped to block him. Rin looked the leader of the paladins up and down as if deciding whether the woman was an annoyance to be ignored or an actual threat to be dealt with. The paladin smiled as if she welcomed the fight.
“With respect your highness, this one is not allowed to step into the sacred Cloister,” Head Simona Ler said, a look of disgust twisting her face. “None who do not know the Goddess’s Grace may be allowed entrance. That is the Sacellum law.”
“The Sacellum would obstruct a Hero of the Empire in his duty to protect the Crystal Blood?” Princess Illana asked, with a perfect neutral. Before the Heads could answer, a warm soprano from inside the Cloister interrupted them.
“As amusing as this petty squabbling could be, Princess Illana came all the way here for something more important than debating Sacellum rules,” the Suprema said. “Daughters, please see to the rest of my children. The two Heroes may enter with her.”
The Suprema sat behind the same desk she had used since her rise to the office. She was probably the oldest person Selene knew. The woman flicked her cold blue eyes at Rin and Selene before they settled on Princess Illana. There was a tense pause as the two women stared at each other. Princess Illana finally broke the tense silence with a warm smile.
“Suprema, thank you for seeing us,” Princess Illana said, inclining her head slightly. Selene saw the flash of surprise in the Suprema before the older woman recovered and returned her face to its normal serenity.
“Of course, your highness,” the Suprema replied, “If you felt it necessary to come to the Sacellum, it must be important.”
“May I assume you’ve heard of the Purist threat to the city?” Illana asked.
“The Chancellor advised me on the rumors being spread by the Mareian ambassador,” the Suprema answered. The older woman’s eyes flicked to Rin for the barest instance before returning to the princess.
“Heroes of the Empire confirmed a Purist army is marching on Lisandra. It will take some time for the Capitol Army to return to the city, which leaves my subjects undefended,” Princess Illana said, “I must ask the Sacellum to place its considerable resources at the Crystal Palace’s disposal to defend this city.” The Suprema studied the princess for a long moment before speaking.
“I’m sorry, but that will not be possible,” the Suprema answered. Princess Illana’s body went rigid. Selene involuntarily braced for the coming tirade. Instead of the expected screaming rage, Princess Illana’s voice was cold as ice.
“Perhaps you should explain why,” the princess said. The Suprema frowned at the princess’s words.
“I am not accustomed to explaining my decisions,” the Suprema replied, with an affronted tone. “I am the Suprema of the Sacellum. It is my responsibility – and mine alone – to determine how the Sacellum responds to any request.”
“I am not one of your clerics. I am the Crystal Blood. Your decision affects my city and my subjects. So, yes, you will explain.”
“This is not yet your city and they are not yet your subjects, your highness,” the Suprema said with the aggravated patience of a tutor with a particularly dense student. “According to the laws of this Empire, the people are under the protection of the Diet.” Princess Illana gave the Suprema a hard stare. The Suprema involuntarily shrank back before remembering herself and straightening back up.
“While you are correct that I have no legal authority over the residents of this city at this time, they are still my subjects. If the Sacellum, as the populace’s spiritual advisors, refuses to support me in defending Lisandra, then perhaps it is time to find others who will,” Princess Illana said, then spun on her heel and started to stride out of the Suprema’s Cloister.
“What are you going to do, child?” the Suprema asked, condescendingly, “Demand the Jeweled Empire convert to your lover’s Protector?” Princess Illana paused at the door long enough to fix the Suprema with a dangerous glare.
“Such a remark is below the dignity of the Suprema,” Princess Illana said, her voice hovering just above the temperature of ice. “However, since you are under an incorrect impression, let me clarify. There is nothing in the laws of the Empire requiring the Sacellum to be the only way for the Imperial subjects to speak with the Goddess. Tradition, yes, but not law. The Crystal Blood respects tradition, but as you have reminded us, we are only bound by the law. As such, the Crystal Blood will support any who provide for our people’s needs – both spiritual and physical.” The Suprema sat in shock as her mind grappled with Princess Illana’s words. The Suprema’s eyes bulged as she launched to her feet.
“You would treat with heresy?” the Suprema demanded. “You would risk Expulsion?”
“There is very little I will not do or risk to protect my subjects,” Princess Illana answered, her own tone cool and calm. “Including withdrawing the Crystal Blood’s support of the Sacellum.” Princess Illana walked out of the door before the Suprema could say another word. Rin followed in her wake.
“Selene, a moment,” the Suprema said, as Selene was walking out the door.
“Yes, Suprema?”
“Does your appearance here mean you have finally chosen to do as I have asked?” the Suprema asked.
“No, it means I am following what the Goddess asked of me,” Selene answered.
“She still speaks to you?” the Suprema asked, surprised.
“She never stopped speaking to me.”
“You were warned about going against the Sacellum, again,” the Suprema said.
“You aren’t worried about me going against the Sacellum. You are worried I will join with those in the Sacellum who want to replace you.”
“You are picking up bad habits from that child,” the Suprema said, “I admit the girl acted far more like her grandfather today than I have ever seen from her before. Even if she is making a disastrous mistake. Did you have a hand in that?”
“To answer your question, no,” Selene answered. “As to your assertion, you are the one making the mistake.”
“Not allowing the paladins to fight against this Purist force?” the Suprema asked, “The Purists are no threat to the Sacellum. Their own literature states have no quarrel with the clerics.”
“Only tangentially, but that wasn’t the mistake to which I was referring,” Selene replied, “No, your mistake is treating Princess Illana as the child you think her to be and not the empress she is going to become.”
“Selene, you are still as foolish as you were when you ran away on that silly adventure,” the Suprema said, “Worse, you think because of the horrible things you’ve endured, you are somehow wiser. I hate to see you waste yourself in this foolishness. For the sake of mercy, I offer you a chance to return to your rightful place in the Sacellum. Maybe with a few decades of proper instruction, you could reach the potential we saw in you when you first came to us.”
“I see very clearly where my path leads, and it’s not back to the Sacellum,” Selene said.
“Then you have chosen,” the Suprema said, regretfully, “I hope you can live with the consequences. You are Expelled.” Selene felt as if her heart was ripped out. She knew Expulsion was a possibility when she agreed to come with the princess, but only intellectually. Hearing the words nearly drove Selene to her knees.
“You can’t Expel me without a trial,” Selene said. The Suprema smiled.
“There will be a trial, Selene, but you’re even more of a fool if you think any cleric would vote against my will,” the old woman said. “You may be a Hero of the Empire, but I am the Suprema.” Selene walked out of the Suprema’s Cloister trying to grapple with what just happened. Selene expected the Heads to be waiting, but instead Robar was waiting with Rin and the princess. Her husband looked his normal calm self, but Selene could see the light of excitement in his eyes. He bowed to the princess.
“Your highness, there’s something you need to see,” Robar said. Rin shot Robar a suspicious look, but Selene waved him down. Rin grimaced but followed along without complaint. Robar led them down to one of the large halls. Standing in the center of the hall were close to two hundred clerics from all three traditions. As Selene surveyed the crowd, she saw most of the crowd were younger clerics with a handful of seniors. Robar turned back to the princess as they walked into the hall.
“They heard you are raising defenses against the Purists,” Robar said, “They could do with some words from you, your highness.” Princess Illana looked over the group and smiled.
“You did this?” Selene asked Robar as the princess stepped up to talk to the assembled group.
“I just informed some old friends that the princess was here, and she was talking with the Suprema about a very serious threat to the city.”
“Why?”
“Selene, the Sacellum isn’t going to side with the princess against the Chancellor,” Robar answered. “The Suprema, the Heads, and the senior members of the Traditions are too comfortable with the current balance of power. The younger members of the Sacellum, on the other hand, are the ones who live and talk with people in Lisandra.” Selene looked at her husband, seeing him in a new light. He never did anything that so much as hinted as going against the Sacellum. Yet, he must have been planning this even before they arrived at the Sacellum. Selene gave Robar a small smile of approval as the princess started to speak.
“I am Princess Illana, the Crystal Blood,” the princess announced to the gathered clerics, “So you will all know what we face, there is an army of the Purists marching on Lisandra. Based on their beliefs, they intend to purify the Crystal Blood by murdering me and anyone who gets in their way. They hold a misguided belief that doing so will return the Empire to its former glory. Anyone who gets in their way includes the people of this city. I have no intention of letting them do so without a very nasty fight.” She let the crowd murmur for a few moments before continuing.
“The Capitol Army is far away training with the new arms we received from the Mareian Republic. We have few resources to defend Lisandra. I came here to request the Suprema place the Sacellum’s valiant paladins and clerics at the Crystal Blood’s command to bolster the defense of Lisandra’s citizens. It is the Suprema’s considered opinion that the Purists do not pose a threat to the Sacellum, and therefore it does not need to involve itself in this fight. She is correct. The Purists have not called for the abolition of the Sacellum, only the Crystal Blood. All of you will be perfectly safe within the Sacellum’s grounds.”
“Why are you telling us this?” a young scholar asked. Princess Illana’s face hardened before she continued.
“As I said, I intend to protect the people of this city. The Heroes of the Empire have come together again. They stand by my side, as does the Crystal Guard and the Lisandra constabulary. Others will join our cause to protect the city from these rebels. I cannot ask you to go against the Sacellum. What I will ask you is to think of the innocent people who will be caught between the invaders and the defenders. Think about what is coming. What do your own oaths to the Goddess ask of you?”
“You are asking us to forsake our oaths of obedience to the Suprema and the Sacellum,” an ecclesiast stated. Some of the others looked about nervously.
“I am asking you to look to what called you to serve the Sacellum. I’m asking you to judge for yourselves what is the highest duty of the Traditions. Who are you ultimately serving?” The murmurs in the crowd grew larger.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?” boomed a woman’s harsh voice through the hall. From one of the side doors, a tall woman in paladin’s leathers walked into the hall. She was flanked by two male paladins who oozed casual violence. The gathered clerics were paralyzed as the dark-haired woman swept them with her hawk-like eyes.
“I am telling these clerics why I have come to the Sacellum, paladin,” Princess Illana answered, completely unfazed by the woman’s harsh glare.
“You are leading them dangerously close to heresy,” the paladin said. Princess Illana fixed the woman with a cold glare.
“Your highness,” the paladin amended.
“I’m sure the Sacellum has already explained what their duties are and how to properly execute them,” Princess Illana said. “I’m fulfilling my duties as the Crystal Blood in telling them what the people they serve face in the next few days.” The paladin’s eyes slid from the princess to fix on Robar.
“You’re behind this, aren’t you?” the paladin asked Robar. “This smells of your machinations.”
“If you are asking whether I explained the realities of the situation to some of my Tradition who wanted to hear what Princess Illana had to say, then yes,” Robar answered.
“You are dangerously close to being Expelled from the Sacellum, Robar,” the paladin said, “Just like your wife.” The paladin’s last word dripped with the venom. Robar whirled on Selene, his eyes wide with astonishment.
“If any of you are in this hall in the next minute, we will put you to the question to make sure where your loyalties lie,” the paladin said. The clerics nearly fell over each other running for the different exits. In less than a minute, only the paladin, her guards, Princess Illana, Robar, Rin, and Selene were standing in the hall. The paladin strode over to Robar and gave him a harsh glare.
“Why in the light are you courting Expulsion?” the paladin asked, with a shocking tender concern.
“I support my wife,” Robar answered. The paladin slapped Robar hard enough to drive him to the floor. Selene found herself between Robar and the snarling woman. The two locked glares. Both women gripped the hilts of their swords. The tension was broken by Rin’s chuckles. The paladin whipped her head to focus her glare on Rin.
“What is so funny, human?” the paladin spit out through clenched teeth.
“You smacking Robar,” Rin said. “I really enjoyed seeing that.” To Selene’s horror, Rin traced a triangle in the air with his two forefingers. The paladin looked confused.
“May the Protector bless you and keep you in His mercies,” Rin intoned. The paladin sputtered as rage turned her pale skin a dangerous shade of puce. Selene took advantage of the moment to drag Robar to his feet out of the hall. Rin followed with a casual stride. As soon as they were back out in the sun, Selene shot an evil look back at Rin. He just grinned back. Selene deflated as they continued walking to the carriage. As much as Selene hated to admit it, sometimes Rin’s propensity to push things was useful.
“Who was that paladin?” Princess Illana asked as she stepped lightly into the carriage.
“Etan,” Robar answered, with a flat tone. “She’s one of the three color leaders for the Tradition of the Heart. Perhaps their best commander.”
“So why does she hate you?” Rin asked. “That slap was personal.”
“I’d rather not discuss it,” Robar answered. Rin was about to press the issue further, but Selene reached over and slightly rapped him on the head.
“Leave it alone,” Selene told Rin. He shrugged before leaning back next to Illana. Selene looked at her husband out of the corner of her eye. He would hate to see the pity that was welling up inside her. Robar looked out the window, refusing to look at the others. Selene couldn’t blame him. This was probably the first time Robar had seen Etan since he broke off their own engagement to marry Selene.
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